SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved a zone change request that will bring a Priest River animal shelter one step closer to its relocation efforts.  

County commissioners approved a 35-acre zone change in Priest River from Suburban to Commercial to allow the Priest River Animal Rescue to relocate and expand on the property. As it stands, the applicable property serves as The Ranch Club Golf Course.  

The zone change approval is necessary for the property to be divided, allowing the Priest River Animal Rescue to move locations.  

“Owners of the Ranch Club are offering a very generous deal to Priest River Animal Rescue for that portion of land that would be part of the minor land division that would be accessed off Highway 2,” project representative Reid Weber said. “Currently, Priest River Animal Rescue is at capacity in a building that’s in need of upgrades, and so they’re having the opportunity to expand and have services available that would really be beneficial to how they operate.” 

According to Weber, the parcel has been a golf course since 1922, serving the community as a golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant.  

Commissioners approving the zone change is part of the first phase for the shelter to move, which also includes the property being subdivided and then purchased by the animal rescue. The second and third phase includes the acquisition of a conditional use permit for an animal rescue shelter and the design and construction of the building.  

The file was also unanimously approved at a Dec. 18 Bonner County Zoning Commission meeting.